Online Reporter
NDODANA Mkhanyisi Tshuma will spend another THIRTY SIX days in custody in South Africa after waiving his right to bail.
He appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court yesterday.
Ndodana, also known as Mark, has been charged by British authorities for the murder of his wife and two children at their home in England before he fled to Africa.
His wife Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, 42, and daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were found dead by police in a house in Great Denham, near Bedford, on July 6.
Ndodana made his second appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court yesterday where he is facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, when he was arrested on July 10.
He is scheduled to return to court on August 27.
This means that he would have spent 48 days in custody by the time he makes his third court appearance.
Yesterday, Ndodana waived his right to bail and was remanded in custody until the next hearing on August 27.
This is meant to allow further ballistic investigations in connection with a charge of possessing an unlicensed firearm.
South African national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said investigators believe Ndodana bought the firearm shortly after arriving in South Africa on July 5, before British authorities had flagged him as a wanted suspect.
Police in South Africa have also launched an investigation to trace the individual who allegedly sold him the firearm.
Mathe said investigators suspect Ndodana intended to use the weapon to take his own life before police tracked him down.
“It is our suspicion that this particular firearm was going to be used to end his life.
“It is commendable that our teams worked quickly to arrest him before that process could unfold so that he can answer to the crimes that he committed in the UK,” she said.
British prosecutors have authorised three murder charges against the 45-year-old Zimbabwean, who also holds dual British citizenship.
Emma Davies, the chief crown prosecutor, said:
“This comes after the careful review of evidence provided by Bedfordshire police.
“Our thoughts remain with Zandile, Natalie and Nala’s loved ones and with everyone affected by what has happened.”
South Africa Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has confirmed that South Africa is processing the necessary extradition documents to return Ndodana to the United Kingdom, where he is expected to face three murder charges. – H-Metro ReporterBC/IOL
